Method of using a bag-in-box container system

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/412,880 filed Mar. 27, 2009, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/191,887 filed Sep. 13, 2008. The disclosures of both applications is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0002The present application relates to container systems and, more particularly, to bag-in-box container systems for interaction with spraying or dispensing systems.

BACKGROUND

0003Humans apply many products to their bodies for cosmetic purposes. These products include moisturizers, sunscreens, anti-aging treatments, UV tanning accelerators, sunless tanning products, and so on. Numerous forms of artificial tanning products are currently available, including lotions, creams, gels, oils, and sprays. These products are typically mixtures of a chemically-active skin colorant or a bronzer, in combination with moisturizers, preservatives, antimicrobials, thickeners, solvents, emulsifiers, fragrances, surfactants, stabilizers, sunscreens, pH adjusters, anti-caking agents, and additional ingredients to alter the color reaction.

0004Systems exist for applying artificial tanning products including spraying booths for fluid containment used in conjunction with handheld sprayers, and closed booths equipped with automated spraying systems. These spraying systems may use high pressure compressed air nozzles along with sunless tanning composition fluids supplied to the nozzle to create atomized sprays directed towards the body. Sunless tanning composition fluids, as well as fluids in countless other applications, must be packaged in containers suitable for transportation of the fluids, for interaction with spraying or dispensing systems, and for economically efficient disposal.

0005Conventionally, fluids have been packaged in rigid containers that provide satisfactory interaction with spraying or dispensing systems. However, these rigid containers are inefficient in terms of storage and disposal of empty containers because they retain their volume even after the fluids have been exhausted. Flexible containers such as bag-in-box containers provide more economically efficient containers in terms of storage and disposal. However, conventionally, these flexible containers have been used in applications that rely on pressurized air for evacuation of fluid from the bag while the bag-in-box system is sitting upright. Conventional, bag-in-box systems do not provide a sufficiently rigid container for proper interaction with spraying and dispensing systems that require upside-down installation for gravity to assist, at least in part, in the evacuation of the contents in the bag. Some of these upside-down applications may require also require a blind connection to be made between the bag-in-box system and dispensing machinery.

SUMMARY

0006In one embodiment, a method of providing fluid to a dispensing machine includes providing a bag having a dispensing end, the bag having fluid disposed therein. The method further includes providing a box in a first orientation. The box has a first wall with an opening disposed therein. The method also includes providing a dispensing machine having a holder configured to receive the dispensing end of the bag. The method further includes inserting the bag in the box, and closing the box with a portion of the dispensing end of the bag protruding through the opening in the first wall, wherein the first wall is a top surface of the box in the first orientation. The method also includes securing the portion of the dispensing end outside of the box and inverting the box to a second orientation, such that the first wall is a bottom surface of the box in the second orientation. The method further includes inserting the dispensing end of the bag into the holder of the dispensing machine.

0007In another embodiment, a method of employing a bag-in-box container system in a dispensing machine includes providing a bag-in-box container system. The bag-in-box container includes a box having a first wall with an opening disposed therein. The first wall is a top surface when the box is in a first orientation and the first wall is a bottom surface when the box is in a second orientation. The bag-in-box container system further includes a bag disposed inside the box, the bag having a dispensing end that protrudes through the opening in the first wall of the box. The method further includes providing a dispensing machine having a holder configured to receive the dispensing end of the bag. The method also includes placing the bag-in-box container system in the second orientation, and inserting the dispensing end of the bag into the holder of the dispensing machine.

0008In yet another embodiment, a method of employing a bag-in-box container system in a dispensing machine includes placing a box in a first orientation, inserting a bag in the box, and closing the box with a portion of a dispensing end of the bag protruding through an opening in a first wall of the box. The first wall is a top surface of the box in the first orientation. The method further includes securing the portion of the dispensing end outside of the box and inverting the box to a second orientation, such that the first wall is a bottom surface of the box in the second orientation. The method also includes inserting the dispensing end of the bag into a holder of a dispensing machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

0009The accompanying drawings, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. In the drawings and description that follow, like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a perspective front view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system.

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a perspective rear view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a perspective front exploded view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a perspective front exploded view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system with a clip.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> illustrates a perspective front view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> illustrates a perspective top view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a partially assembled example application for a bag-in-box container system.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates an expanded or close up view of the partially assembled example application for bag-in-box container systems of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a completely assembled example application for a bag-in-box container system.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates an expanded or close up view of the completely assembled example application for a bag-in-box container system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0022The following includes definitions of selected terms. The definitions include various examples or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term. The examples are not intended to be limiting.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a perspective front view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system. The example container system <b>100</b> includes a box <b>1</b>. Box <b>1</b> may be constructed of various different materials (cardboard, plastic, and so on) to give box <b>1</b> suitable rigidity, weight, etc. for the specific application. Example container system <b>100</b> also includes a bag <b>2</b>. Bag <b>2</b> may contain liquids such as those used for sunless tanning, as well as other liquids for various other uses. Bag <b>2</b> may have a valved fitting or dispensing end <b>3</b> that may provide a fluidic path for the fluid in bag <b>2</b>. Example box <b>1</b> has an opening on one of its walls for the dispensing end <b>3</b> to partially come through. Dispensing end <b>3</b> may have annular ringed flanges or ribs for, among other functions, connecting system <b>100</b> to equipment or machinery using the fluids inside of bag <b>2</b>. Dispensing end <b>3</b> may also include a collar (not shown) of a larger perimeter than the opening in box <b>1</b> such that the collar contacts the inside of box <b>1</b> around the opening. The contact between the collar and the inside of box <b>1</b> resists bag <b>2</b> from being pulled out of the box through the opening. Dispensing end <b>3</b> may also include a flange, rib, or set of flanges or ribs forming a groove or slot for a clip <b>4</b>, a spring clip (not shown), or some other means of engagement to engage dispensing end <b>3</b> and resist a force pushing in a direction towards the inside of box <b>1</b>.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a perspective rear view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system <b>100</b>. In the example embodiment, dispensing end <b>3</b> includes a groove <b>5</b>. The example embodiment also includes a clip <b>4</b> that engages groove <b>5</b> to hold dispensing end <b>3</b> in place relative to box <b>1</b>. Engagement of groove <b>5</b> and clip <b>4</b> causes clip <b>4</b> to resist a force urging dispensing end <b>3</b> inside box <b>1</b> by, for example, force exerted on dispensing end <b>3</b> when connecting system <b>100</b> to dispensing or spraying machinery. During and after connection to the machinery, clip <b>4</b> distributes, at least partially, the force exerted on dispensing end <b>3</b> along the opening end outside wall of the box contributing to the rigidity of system <b>100</b>.

0025Clip <b>4</b> may have an opening for sliding in place into groove <b>5</b> in dispensing end <b>3</b>. Groove <b>5</b> may be formed by two spaced walls or flanges radially extending from dispensing end <b>3</b>. Groove <b>5</b> may be located in dispensing end <b>3</b> so that the proximal most wall or flange of groove <b>5</b> is flush with the outside surface of the opening wall of box <b>1</b>. In this example embodiment, groove <b>5</b> is disposed immediately outside of box <b>1</b> near the opening. Clip <b>4</b> may then engage dispensing end <b>3</b> at groove <b>5</b> with at least some surface area of clip <b>4</b> remaining in contact with the outside surface of the opening wall of box <b>1</b>, providing for very little, if any, play of dispensing end <b>3</b> in and out of box <b>1</b>.

0026Engaging a portion of dispensing end <b>3</b> outside box <b>1</b> may be accomplished by various other means. In an example prophetic embodiment, engagement of a groove <b>5</b> is accomplished by a flap integral to box <b>1</b> that slides into groove <b>5</b> and prevents dispensing end <b>3</b> from pushing into box <b>1</b> through the opening. In another prophetic embodiment, dispensing end <b>3</b> may be engaged by inserting a grooved insert into a flange in dispensing end <b>3</b>. Dispensing end <b>3</b> may be alternatively or additionally engaged by a spring clip (not shown) that engages groove <b>5</b>. Various other methods of engagement may be used.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a perspective front exploded view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system. In the example embodiment, bag-in-box container system <b>100</b> includes box <b>1</b> and bag <b>2</b>. To assemble bag-in-box system <b>100</b>, bag <b>2</b> is inserted inside box <b>1</b>, and box <b>1</b> is closed with a portion of dispensing end <b>3</b> protruding through opening <b>6</b>. Dispensing end <b>3</b> may also include a collar <b>7</b> of a larger perimeter than opening <b>6</b> such that collar <b>7</b> contacts the inside surface of top wall <b>8</b> around opening <b>6</b>. The contact between collar <b>7</b> and the inside surface of top wall <b>8</b> resists bag <b>2</b> from being pulled out of the box through opening <b>6</b>. Bag <b>2</b> may be manufactured of a flexible material. Box <b>1</b> may be designed and manufactured such that when fully assembled, bag-in-box system <b>100</b> with clip <b>4</b> engaged in groove <b>5</b> mimics a single, stable, rigid container.

0028In example system <b>100</b>, opening <b>6</b> and collar <b>7</b> are shown to have circular geometries. In the example embodiment, the perimeters of opening <b>6</b> and collar <b>7</b> would be their respective circumferences. However, opening <b>6</b> and collar <b>7</b> may be of various non-circular geometries (square, oval, rectangular, and so on). In an alternate embodiment, collar <b>7</b> would be reinforced or supported by an additional clip (not shown) disposed inside box <b>1</b> and held in position with or without an additional groove on dispensing end <b>3</b>.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a perspective front exploded view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box liquid container system <b>100</b> with a clip <b>4</b>. In the example embodiment, after bag <b>2</b> has been inserted inside box <b>1</b> with dispensing end <b>3</b> protruding through opening <b>6</b>, clip <b>4</b> may be inserted or slid into groove <b>5</b>. Clip <b>4</b> has a shape complimentary to groove <b>5</b> such that clip <b>4</b> tightly fits on to groove <b>5</b> when pressed into engagement position. In this embodiment, clip <b>4</b> has a U-shaped opening. The U-shaped opening defines an engaging surface <b>9</b> for clip <b>4</b> to engage groove <b>5</b> of dispensing end <b>3</b> protruding through opening <b>6</b> in a wall of box <b>1</b>. In a prophetic embodiment, engaging surface <b>9</b> may be part of a flap, integral to or separable from box <b>1</b>, that slides into groove <b>5</b> to secure dispensing end <b>3</b> in place. In another prophetic embodiment, the engaging surface may be part of a spring clip or similar structure that engages groove <b>5</b> or some other portion of dispensing end <b>3</b> to secure dispensing end <b>3</b> in place. In other embodiments, engaging surface <b>9</b> could be formed by a discontinuous engaging surface or multiple engaging surfaces.

0030In one embodiment, clip <b>4</b> has top and bottom surfaces <b>10</b> and <b>11</b>, respectively. In the example embodiment, when clip <b>4</b> is fully inserted into groove <b>5</b>, top surface <b>10</b> contacts the distal wall of groove <b>5</b> preventing dispensing end <b>3</b> from recessing into box <b>1</b> through opening <b>6</b>. The bottom surface <b>11</b>, in turn, distributes at least some of the force applied to dispensing end <b>3</b> across the top wall <b>8</b> of box <b>1</b>. This distribution of force along the larger area of top wall <b>8</b> makes bag-in-box system <b>100</b> relatively rigid. The rigidity of system <b>100</b> makes it suitable for connecting to dispensing equipment even when system <b>100</b> is inverted upside-down and connected to dispensing equipment in a blind connection where substantial force may be exerted on system <b>100</b> to permit dispensing end <b>3</b> to connect to a mating fitting fixed to dispensing machinery. System <b>100</b> may be sufficiently rigid to be self supporting in such an application when mounted by means of dispensing end <b>3</b> in an inverted angled or upside-down orientation.

0031In one embodiment, engaging surface <b>9</b> may have dimples for a snap engagement between clip <b>4</b> and groove <b>5</b>. In another embodiment, engaging surface <b>9</b> may have a total engaging circumference in excess of half the outside circumference of groove <b>5</b> for a snap engagement. Clip <b>4</b>, among other embodiments, could also be a spring clip (not shown) that may be compressed, placed over groove <b>5</b>, and released to engage groove <b>5</b>. Clip <b>4</b> may be fabricated of various known materials (e.g. plastic, metal, and so on).

0032After the contents of bag <b>2</b> have been exhausted, the bag-in-box system <b>100</b> may be removed from the dispensing machinery, clip <b>4</b> may be removed from groove <b>5</b>, box <b>1</b> opened, bag <b>2</b> removed from box <b>1</b>, and both box <b>1</b> and bag <b>2</b> may be collapsed to a relatively small volume to be discarded or recycled.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an exploded view and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system <b>500</b>. The example container system <b>500</b> includes a box <b>12</b>. Box <b>12</b> may be constructed of various different materials (cardboard, plastic, and so on) to give box <b>12</b> suitable rigidity, weight, etc. for the specific application. Example container system <b>500</b> also includes a bag <b>13</b>, which may contain liquids such as those used for sunless tanning, as well as other liquids for various other uses. Bag <b>13</b> may have a valved fitting or dispensing end <b>14</b> that may provide a fluidic path for fluid in bag <b>13</b>. Dispensing end <b>14</b> may also have annular ringed flanges or ribs for, among other functions, connecting system <b>500</b> to equipment or machinery for dispensing the fluids inside of the bag.

0034Example box <b>12</b> has an opening <b>15</b> on one of its walls. Dispensing end <b>14</b> may include a flange, rib, or set of flanges or ribs forming a groove or slot <b>16</b> and opening <b>15</b> may incorporate two different diameters for dispensing end <b>14</b> to partially come through the larger diameter and engage into the smaller diameter at groove or slot <b>16</b> to resist a force pushing in a direction towards the inside of box <b>12</b>. Dispensing end <b>14</b> may also include a collar <b>17</b> of a larger perimeter than the smaller diameter in opening <b>15</b> such that the collar contacts the inside of box <b>13</b> around the smaller diameter resisting bag <b>13</b> from being pulled out of box <b>12</b> through opening <b>15</b>. Engagement at groove or slot <b>16</b> resists a force urging dispensing end <b>14</b> inside box <b>12</b> by, for example, force exerted on dispensing end <b>14</b> when connecting system <b>500</b> to dispensing or spraying machinery. During and after connection to the machinery, this force exerted on dispensing end <b>14</b> is distributed along the wall surface of box <b>12</b> around opening <b>15</b> contributing to the rigidity of system <b>500</b>.

0035In one embodiment, system <b>500</b> may include a lid <b>18</b> for closing the bag-in-box container. After the contents of bag <b>13</b> have been exhausted, the bag-in-box system <b>500</b> may be removed from the dispensing machinery, lid <b>18</b> removed, bag <b>13</b> removed from box <b>12</b>, and bag <b>13</b> may be collapsed to a relatively small volume to be discarded or recycled. Box <b>12</b> may be “refilled” with a full bag <b>13</b>, reassembled and reinstalled on the dispensing machinery.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A and 7B</figref> illustrates a perspective front view and a top view, respectively, of an embodiment of a bag-in-box container system <b>700</b>. The example container system <b>700</b> includes a box <b>19</b>. Box <b>19</b> may be constructed of various different materials (cardboard, plastic, and so on) to give box <b>19</b> suitable rigidity, weight, etc. for the specific application. Example container system <b>700</b> also includes a bag <b>20</b>. Bag <b>20</b> may contain liquids such as those used for sunless tanning, as well as other liquids for various other uses. Bag <b>20</b> may have a valved fitting or dispensing end <b>21</b> that may provide a fluidic path for the fluid in bag <b>20</b>. Dispensing end <b>21</b> may have annular ringed flanges or ribs for, among other functions, connecting system <b>700</b> to equipment or machinery for dispensing the fluids inside of bag <b>20</b>. Example box <b>19</b> has an opening on one of its walls, in this example top wall <b>23</b>, for dispensing end <b>21</b> to partially come through the opening.

0037To assemble bag-in-box system <b>700</b>, bag <b>20</b> is inserted inside box <b>19</b> with a portion of dispensing end <b>21</b> protruding through the opening on wall <b>23</b>. Dispensing end <b>21</b> may also include a collar (not shown) of a larger perimeter than the opening in box <b>19</b> such that the collar contacts the inside of wall <b>23</b> around the opening. The contact between the collar and the inside of wall <b>23</b> resists bag <b>20</b> from being pulled out of box <b>19</b> through the opening. Dispensing end <b>21</b> may also include a flange, rib, or set of flanges or ribs forming a groove or slot for a clip <b>22</b>, a spring clip (not shown), or some other means of engagement to engage dispensing end <b>21</b> and resist a force pushing in a direction towards the inside of box <b>19</b>.

0038In the example embodiment, clip <b>22</b> engages dispensing end <b>21</b> at a groove in dispensing end <b>21</b> and holds bag <b>20</b> in place relative to box <b>19</b>. Engagement of dispensing end <b>21</b> and clip <b>22</b> causes clip <b>22</b> to resist a force urging dispensing end <b>21</b> inside box <b>19</b> by, for example, force exerted on dispensing end <b>21</b> when connecting system <b>700</b> to dispensing or spraying machinery. During and after connection to the machinery, clip <b>22</b> distributes, at least partially, the force exerted on dispensing end <b>21</b> along the opening end outside wall of box <b>19</b>, in this case top wall <b>23</b>, contributing to the rigidity of system <b>700</b>.

0039Clip <b>22</b> may have an opening for sliding in place into the groove in dispensing end <b>21</b>. The groove may be formed by two spaced walls or flanges radially extending from dispensing end <b>21</b>. The groove may be located in dispensing end <b>21</b> so that the proximal most wall or flange of the groove is flush with the outside surface of the opening wall of box <b>19</b>. In this example embodiment, the groove is disposed immediately outside of box <b>19</b> near the opening on wall <b>23</b>. Clip <b>22</b> may then engage dispensing end <b>21</b> at the groove with at least some surface area of clip <b>22</b> remaining in contact with the outside surface of wall <b>23</b>, providing for very little, if any, play of dispensing end <b>21</b> in and out of box <b>19</b>.

0040Bag <b>20</b> may be manufactured of a flexible material. Box <b>19</b> may be designed and manufactured such that when fully assembled, bag-in-box system <b>700</b> with clip <b>22</b> engaged mimics a single, stable, rigid container.

0041In the example embodiment, after bag <b>20</b> has been inserted inside box <b>19</b> with dispensing end <b>21</b> protruding through the opening on wall <b>23</b>, clip <b>22</b> may be inserted or slid into the groove in dispensing end <b>21</b>. Clip <b>22</b> has a shape complimentary to the groove such that clip <b>22</b> tightly fits on to the groove when pressed into engagement position. In the example embodiment, when clip <b>22</b> is fully inserted into the groove, it prevents dispensing end <b>21</b> from recessing into box <b>19</b> through the opening. A bottom surface of clip <b>22</b>, in turn, distributes at least some of the force applied to dispensing end <b>21</b> in the direction to the inside of box <b>19</b> across the top wall <b>23</b>. This distribution of force along the larger area of top wall <b>23</b> contributes in making bag-in-box system <b>700</b> relatively rigid. The rigidity of system <b>700</b> makes it suitable for connecting to dispensing equipment even when system <b>700</b> is inverted upside-down and connected to dispensing equipment in a blind connection where substantial force may be exerted on system <b>700</b> to permit dispensing end <b>21</b> to connect to a mating fitting fixed to dispensing machinery. System <b>700</b> may be sufficiently rigid to be self supporting in such an application when mounted by means of dispensing end <b>21</b> in an inverted angled or upside-down orientation.

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a partially assembled example application <b>800</b> for bag-in-box container systems interacting with portions of a dispensing machinery <b>810</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates an expanded or close-up view of the partially assembled example application <b>800</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. In example application <b>800</b>, multiple bag-in-box liquid systems <b>100</b><i>a</i>, <b>100</b><i>b</i>, and <b>100</b><i>c </i>may be inserted into fixed holders <b>820</b><i>a</i>, <b>820</b><i>b</i>, and <b>820</b><i>c </i>that may be part of dispensing machinery <b>810</b>. Bag-in-box system <b>100</b><i>a</i>, for example, is inverted for connection to holder <b>820</b><i>a</i>. When system <b>100</b><i>a </i>is inverted a force F<b>1</b> including the weight of the liquid inside system <b>100</b><i>a</i>, is exerted on the collar that forms part of the dispensing end against the inside surface of the opening end wall of the box. The weight tends to push the dispensing end in a direction outside of the box through the opening. The collar resists the dispensing end from being pushed out the box by force F<b>1</b>.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a completely assembled example application <b>1000</b> for bag-in-box container systems interacting with portions of dispensing machinery <b>810</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates an expanded or close-up view of the completely assembled example application <b>1000</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>. In example application <b>1000</b>, multiple bag-in-box systems <b>100</b><i>a</i>, <b>100</b><i>b</i>, and <b>100</b><i>c </i>have been inserted into fixed holders <b>820</b><i>a</i>, <b>820</b><i>b</i>, and <b>820</b><i>c</i>, respectively, that may be part of dispensing machinery <b>810</b>. Bag-in-box system <b>100</b><i>b</i>, for example, is inverted for connection to holder <b>820</b><i>b</i>. Once system <b>100</b><i>b </i>is inverted and connected to holder <b>820</b><i>b</i>, a force F<b>2</b> representing the entire weight of system <b>100</b><i>b</i>, including the weight of the liquid inside system <b>100</b><i>b</i>, is exerted on the dispensing end pushing the dispensing end in the direction of the inside of system <b>100</b><i>b</i>. However, one of the walls that form the groove in the dispensing end transfers the weight to the clip engaging the dispensing end or other means of engagement, and effectively distributes at least some of the weight of system <b>100</b><i>b </i>along the opening surface of the box. The distribution of weight makes system <b>100</b><i>b </i>more rigid, stable, and reliable than a comparable system without the weight distribution attributes of the clip or other means of engagement. Moreover, in the example embodiment, system <b>100</b><i>b </i>is sufficiently strong to withstand force F<b>2</b> even when force F<b>2</b> includes force applied to the dispensing end in excess of the weight of system <b>100</b><i>b </i>to achieve the blind connection of system <b>100</b><i>b </i>to holder <b>820</b><i>b. </i>

0044After the contents of the bag have been exhausted, the bag-in-box system <b>100</b><i>b </i>may be removed from machinery <b>810</b>, the clip (if one is used in the application) may be removed from the groove, the box opened, the bag removed from the box, and the bag or both the box and the bag may be collapsed to a relatively small volume to be discarded or recycled.

0045To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” is employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.”

0046While the present application illustrates various embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the claimed invention to such detail. Departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's claimed invention. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described.